Reports of toxic culture and bullying at one of England’s largest NHS trusts

A review has found repeated cases of bullying and a toxic environment at one of England’s largest NHS trusts.  The Bewick report was ordered following complaints from staff at University Hospitals Birmingham, saying a climate of fear had put patients at risk.

The trust is responsible for Solihill, Good Hope, Queen Elizabeth and Heartlands hospitals.

Summarising the findings of the report, Professor Bewick, a former NHS England deputy medical director, said “Our overall view is that the trust is a safe place to receive care.

“But any continuance of a culture that is corrosively affecting morale and in particular threatens long-term staff recruitment and retention will put at risk the care of patients across the organisation – particularly in the current nationwide NHS staffing crisis.

“Because these concerns cover such a wide range of issues, from management organisation through to leadership and confidence, we believe there is much more work to be done in the next phases of review to assist the trust on its journey to recovery.”

Chief executive of the trust Jonathan Brotherton, said he was pleased the overall view of Professor Bewick’s report was “that the trust is a safe place to receive care”.

“We fully accept his recommendations and welcome the additional assurance that has been asked for through further independent oversight.

“There are a number of significant concerns that we need to, and have started to, address; we will continue to learn from the past, as we move forward.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382